Can Balmain Make Me Hot for Juno Awards After-Party?

I am very excited as I have been invited by EMI Music to their exclusive after-party for the Juno Awards, happening later this month.  More details to come.  More pressing though is what to wear? I need to look hot, and who does rock'n'roll glam better than Balmain? I am lusting after these reworked dirty 80's looks from the Balmain Fall 2009 Ready to Wear collection.

Christophe Decarnin's iconic peaked shoulder jacket is back for Fall and it looks hotter than ever in lux materials like leather, quilt, and satin.  Some of his Spring 09 peaked shoulder jackets channeled a bit more MJ/Thriller for my liking but his Fall jackets are sharp and modern- when paired with a slim pant, it is very wearable.  The sweetheart neckline, a cliche as recently as a few years ago, is back and looking more bad-ass than sweet, especially when the mini is microsized.  Half-train evening dresses, which forever stuck in my mind as something escorts in the 80's wore (with George Michael's "I never want to dance again" playing on a cassette in the background), look ironically hip.  As much as I despise the harem pants, Decarnin worked his magic by sliding them into sleek boots and opening them up to expose some leg.  In all, a fun, flirty collection that brings us back to the bad old 80's but in a whole new light.  There have been some criticism that Decarnin needs to step the brand up to the next level as many of the looks have been carrying over.  For what it's worth, Balmain continues with this collection as a go-to name for rocker vixens who want glitz and glamour on the cutting edge.

Friday Night Delights

When Friday night rolls around, I like to enrich my outdoor survival knowledge by watching this man, Bear Grylls, roll around in the mud wrestling reptiles (shirtless), grunt through excruciating climbs (sometimes shirtless), dive into waterfalls and swim in underground caves (shirtless and sometimes shortless), all on Man Versus Wild.

What an inspiration! Enjoy.

Urban Outfitter Late Spring Catelogue Vid

Soweto Strings for Buskaid

I caught a documentary on the Knowledge Network on the weekend called Soweto Strings.  It is the inpiring story of Rosemary Nalden, a British music teacher who founded a music school in Soweto, the sprawling township in South Africa where the fight against apartheid was born.  She helped create a charitable organization called Buskaid, with the mission of bringing African children in townships the opportunity to learn and play classical string instruments.   Through the school, Buskaid has developed a reputable string orchestra of students which performs internationally. The hope is by providing these children with an opportunity to express themselves creatively, with a place of learning and caring, and with a goal to work towards, these children may find a way to a better life.  For some students, Buskaid has been the realization of their life-long dreams, and they have gone on to further studies in England and to play music professionally.

While I watched the documentary, I could see the passion in some of the young students' eyes as they performed the musical pieces.  I could also see the love and care Rosemary has put into the school and the community.   One person can make a difference, and Rosemary has.

It's not too soon...

I couldn't resist picking up this cute oversized floral tote today from Fine Finds.   Lucky for me, it only cost $36.  Perfect item for spring and going into summer...I can't wait to pair this up with bubble shorts, light denims, and strappy cut-out sandals.

The sun today also got me thinking about some new shades (an ongoing obsession).  Some of my picks at the moment:

Rayban Tonal Wayfarers

Oliver Peoples Sofiane

Marc Jacobs Retro

All sunglasses pics from shopbop.com

Summer Surf Shacks

It's not too soon to start thinking about summer and waves.  I'm very excited as I've booked hubby and I for a week at Tofino to stay at this cute cottage, Tofino Surf Shack, right on Chesterman beach.  I'm looking forward to lazy summer days riding the waves, cooking up a big ol pot of crab and fresh salmon on the barby, and doing some butt-kicking cycling.

Bedroom at Surf Shack

Kitchen and sitting area

Some of my other fave surf destinations and shacks below.  The common thread? Great waves, fresh seafood on a bbq, some bzzr and endless ocean view.

Ahu Ahu Beach Villas, Oakura, New Zealand - a modern concrete bunker with floor to ceiling, double french glass doors opening out to the Tasman Sea.  What's not to love?  It's also where I first learned to surf.

And my fave surf location in the world - Hanalei Bay in Kauai.  Here's my secret cottage getaway...

Oliver Barrett Blogs

West Vancouver boutique, Oliver Barrett, has started up a blog in addition to its existing Facebook Fan page. Not sure why the blog is titled Spring 2009 since that won't last beyond a few months but we'll keep posted to see if there's any goodies coming out of this blog to keep it on my followed list. Some good news already - looks like the store is adjusting to the economic downturn like everyone else and will start offering more hip apparel for less than $100.